AVP, Contract Surety Market Facing Underwriter

Zurich is currently looking for an AVP, Surety Underwriting Officer to work in Arizona. 

 

As the Surety Underwriter will work to analyze and underwrite a book of new and renewal business. Underwriters will use the Zurich Way of Underwriting Framework within delegated authority levels on highly complex assignments ensuring a high-level service to customers. In this role, you will partner with brokers and will utilize strong sales execution mindset to write profitable business.

  

To bring leading talent into the organization and foster a culture of innovation and excellence, we encourage professionals from wide range of backgrounds and industries to apply and:

 

• Join a global company that gives you an opportunity to collaborate with some of the best talent in the business
• Use your risk management, accounting, and/or finance experience to support the needs of our customers
• Have the autonomy and freedom to be successful in your career
• Experience a customized training program dedicated to those new joiners outside of the insurance industry

 

 Additional responsibilities will include:

 

• Proactively seek renewal and new account opportunities.
• Complete detailed opportunity assessment with key distributors to identify growth opportunities.
• Qualify accounts to meet with the organization's appetite, balanced with sound business opportunity.
• Make agent/broker/customer and on-sight calls with a planned and well-prepared purpose.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions and close deals.
• Cross-Sell other lines of business to increase product density with the account.
• Participate in Sales Team meeting as related to assigned brokers and / or territory.
• Proactively engage in the target account process, managing a qualified list of opportunities 90 to 120 days prior to effective date.
• Update required systems with details of broker / client visits and account status within specified time frame.
• Serve as key contact for assigned target accounts.
• Develop strong broker and client networks as related to industries underwritten by Business Unit.
• Contribute to development of u/w manuals, programs and guidelines.
• Lead complex technical or long-term (over 6 months) business projects to implement new or changed systems, programs or products
• Investigate, recommend and implement leading edge technical solutions when they meet customer needs

 

AVP, Surety Underwriting Officer - Basic Qualifications

 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing area.
  OR
• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the claims or underwriting support area
  OR
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, or Market Facing area.
  OR
• Zurich approved Apprenticeship program including an associate degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area.
  AND
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business.
• Experience working in a team environment.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

• Highly preferred In-depth knowledge of Surety line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines 
• Highly preferred Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Office experience
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong broker relationships 
• Superior skills in relationship building, active listening, needs analysis, and win-win negotiation
• Possess a high level of customer service by meeting or exceeding broker and or customer expectations with respect to required deadlines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of underwriting philosophy, techniques, national/local filing regulati